Faking It with Ariel and Morgan

Ariel Leigh Cohen & Morgan Smith
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Biweekly

Two intimacy coordinators reveal what actually happens behind the scenes of film and TV's most iconic intimate moments. Full description: We're Ariel and Morgan, two professional intimacy coordinators who choreograph sex scenes for film and TV. We pull back the curtain on how intimacy is really made—from the awkward logistics to the craft that makes it look effortless. On Faking It, we break down: Heated Rivalry: the back arch, the bed share, and why good gay sex wins over hockeyThe hottest no-contact scene in cinema history (Secretary)Why Brokeback Mountain's tent scene needed more lubeThe invisible Buffy sex scene that required flawless pantomimeBarbarella's orgasm machinePEN15's honest depiction of teenage arousal What you'll get:Behind-the-scenes secrets, absurd Hollywood stories, real talk about love and sex, and a front-row seat to the art of pretending. New episodes every week. Subscribe now so you don't miss the next breakdown. Where to listenSpotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | All podcast platforms Follow usInstagram & TikTok: @FakingItThePodPatreon: bonus episodes and scene requestsWebsite: FakingItThePod.com Hashtags#IntimacyCoordinator #FilmBreakdown #SexScenesInFilm #Podcast #FakingItPodcast

  1. Jul 1 ·  Video

    “Pose” Co-Creator Steven Canals | Directing Intimacy and Queer Love

    Steven Canals, co-creator of Pose, breaks down the historic Pray Tell and Ricky love scene from Season 2, Episode 8, "Revelations." Two intimacy coordinators discuss. This Pride Month, we're joined by Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning creator and showrunner Steven Canals to break down one of the most intimate scenes from POSE. Together, we discuss how the scene evolved from script to screen, the challenges of directing intimacy before the role of intimacy coordinator was fully established, and why portraying queer love with tenderness, not spectacle, mattered so deeply. In this episode: The collaborative process between director, actors, and intimacy coordinatorBalancing choreography with actor freedom and authenticityHow intimacy coordination has evolved over the past decadeWhy queer intimacy deserves the same emotional depth as any love storyThe importance of consent, vulnerability, and trust in intimate storytellingA filmmaker's lens on queer intimacy Plus, Steven shares behind-the-scenes stories from making POSE, reflects on the show's lasting cultural impact, and tells us exactly how he'd ruin his own scene if he had to. Scene discussed: POSE Season 2, Episode 8 ("Revelations"), approximately 3:38–5:47. Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits POSE (Season 2, Episode 8: "Revelations") | Creators: Steven Canals, Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy | FX (2019) Hashtags #PoseFX #StevenCanals #QueerIntimacy #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    53 min

  2. Jun 24 ·  Bonus Video

    BONUS EPISODE: "Sens8" Finale Breakdown | Going Out with a (Cluster) Bang

    Sense8's cluster orgy from the finale special is one of the most ambitious intimacy sequences ever filmed. Two intimacy coordinators break down the choreography, consent, and craft. This week, we have a BONUS EPISODE! Ariel and Morgan dive into the legendary cluster orgy from the Sense8 finale special and unpack why it remains one of the most ambitious intimacy sequences ever filmed. From choreography and consent practices to lighting, camera movement, and the challenge of coordinating a massive ensemble scene, we break down how the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski created a sequence that feels emotional, sensual, and deeply connected rather than purely explicit. In this episode: Why foreplay matters for the audience, not just the charactersThe logistics of coordinating large-scale intimacy scenesBoundary-setting techniques, including touch mapping and traffic-light systemsWhy productions of this scale require multiple intimacy coordinatorsThe importance of diversity, representation, and body variety in intimate storytellingA filmmaker's lens on ensemble intimacy Then, as always, we hand out our Spice Scale scores before completely ruining the scene with some truly terrible creative notes. Scene discussed: Sense8 finale special, approximately 2:21:00 – 2:26:00. Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Sense8 (Season 2, Episode 12: "Amor Vincit Omnia") | Creators: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, J. Michael Straczynski | Netflix (2018) Hashtags #Sense8 #Wachowski #ClusterScene #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    25 min

  3. Jun 17 ·  Video

    The "Sens8" Psychic Orgy | How The Cluster Sex Scenes Got Made

    This episode we're breaking down one of the most ambitious sex scenes ever put on television. We're diving into Sens8, the Wachowskis' globe-spanning Sci-Fi drama that somehow turns a psychic orgy into one of the most sensual scenes we've ever covered. From gym workouts and hot tubs to morning cuddles and group intimacy across continents, we're unpacking what makes this sequence so memorable and why it still feels unlike anything else on TV. We get into it all: The surprisingly complicated consent questions that come with sharing other people's experiencesThe challenge of choreographing a massive multi-location orgy without rehearsalThe actor's experiences behind the scenes and how an intimacy coordinator could have helpedPlus: German bathhouses, intimacy coordinator wedding hacks, Britney Spears throwbacks, and an extended discussion about what happens if someone in your cluster decides to have sex during your grandmother's funeral. Want to watch along?  Our reaction covers the orgy scene in Season 1 Episode 6 (Demons): 32:08-39:32.  ----------------------------------------- CREDITS — SENS8 (S1E6 "Demons") Creators: Lana Wachowski; Lilly Wachowski; J. Michael StraczynskiDirectors: Lana Wachowski; Lilly WachowskiWriters: Lana Wachowski; Lilly Wachowski; J. Michael StraczynskiProducers: Grant Hill; J. Michael Straczynski; Lana Wachowski; Lilly Wachowski Actors (featured in discussed scenes): Jamie Clayton; Freema Agyeman; Miguel Ángel Silvestre; Alfonso Herrera; Brian J. Smith; Max Riemelt; Tina Desai; Doona Bae; Tuppence Middleton © 2015 Netflix / Studio JMS / Anarchos Productions / Georgeville Television. All rights reserved. ----------------------------------------- It's Pride Month! Give back to your community this month by donating to some of our favorite organizations: The Trevor Project LA LGBT Center Advocates for Trans Equality Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    39 min

  4. Jun 3

    The Incest Factor | A Deep Exploration of “Dicks: the Musical”

    Dicks: The Musical has a twin incest sex scene scored like an opera. Two intimacy coordinators break down the unhinged A24 musical. Full description: Megan Thee Stallion. Nathan Lane. Puppet penises. A gay sex scene between twins that somehow becomes a camp masterpiece. Dicks: The Musical is absurd, offensive, and genuinely hilarious. We go behind the scenes that are not safe for work, unless your work is really cool. In this episode: Why unrealistic sex can be funnier than realistic sexWalking 69s and spit takesLGBTQ+ representation on screenPuppet intimacy in theaterThis episode is for you if: You love A24's weirdest moviesYou want to hear intimacy coordinators lose their mindsYou need queer comedy that isn't serious for onceWatch along timestamps: Opening scene: 0:50Sleepover scene: 1:10:00Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of film and TV's wildest intimate scenes. Credits Dicks: The Musical (2023) | Director: Larry Charles | A24 Hashtags #DicksTheMusical #A24 #IntimacyCoordinator #QueerComedy #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    34 min

  5. May 20

    A Sub is Born! | What "Secretary" Get's Right About BDSM

    Secretary (2002) has the sexiest no-contact scene in film history. Two intimacy coordinators break down the BDSM cult classic that still sparks debate. Full description: Maggie Gyllenhaal. James Spader. A desk. And a worm that somehow becomes the hottest moment in the movie. Secretary changed how Hollywood talked about kink on screen. But does it hold up? Ariel and Morgan break down the iconic, controversial, and deeply weird BDSM film that people are still arguing about 20 years later. In this episode: • The worm scene — why anticipation and eye contact are sexier than touch • The Peter problem: she's asking for domination. He's giving nothing. • Why "no safeword, no conversation" is doing a LOT of heavy lifting • Kink as emotional connection vs. kink as self-harm replacement • Breath work that deserves awards and hand spasms that steal the show The verdict: No notes. (Okay... some notes.) Watch along timestamps: • Peter scene: 1:08:00 • Worm scene: 1:10:00 • Aftercare/gardening scene: 1:41:00 This video is for you if: • You love cult classics from the early 2000s • You want to understand why Secretary is still discussed • You're curious about BDSM representation on film • You're a fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal or James Spader Subscribe for bi-weekly breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic intimate scenes. Credits Secretary (2002) | Director: Steven Shainberg | Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader | Lionsgate Hashtags #SecretaryMovie #BDSMfilm #IntimacyCoordinator #CultClassic #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    43 min

  6. May 6

    No Lube, No Warning | Spilling the Beans on the Intimacy of “Brokeback Mountain”

    Brokeback Mountain changed queer cinema forever. Two intimacy coordinators break down the tent scene, the reunion, and what works. Full description: Brokeback Mountain changed queer representation forever. It also left us with a lot of questions about how these scenes actually function. From the infamous first tent scene to the long-awaited reunion, we break down what's working, what's not, and why these moments feel so tense without ever fully landing. In this episode: The reality of prep, lubrication, and pacing for anal penetrationHow tension overtakes intimacy and why that leaves scenes feeling incompleteThe difference between awkwardness that serves the story vs awkwardness from unclear choreographyHow the intimacy goes from zero to 100 and stays therePlus: beans, spit logistics, near broken noses, and a very real conversation about how an intimacy coordinator would approach these scenes today. A storyteller's lens on queer cinema We zoom out to talk about Brokeback Mountain's massive cultural impact, the historical context it exists in, and why representation matters, even when the intimacy itself needs room for growth. Justice for lube. That's all we're saying. Watch along timestamps: Tent scene: 27:30Rasslin' scene: 32:51Reunion scene: 1:03:07Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Brokeback Mountain (2005) | Director: Ang Lee | Focus Features Hashtags #BrokebackMountain #AngLee #IntimacyCoordinator #QueerCinema #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    40 min

  7. Apr 22

    Her Throbbing Labia | Hormones Gone Rogue in "PEN15"

    PEN15 captures the chaos of discovering desire with no roadmap. Two intimacy coordinators break down the painfully accurate first arousal scene. Full description: PEN15 (Season 1, Episode 3: "Ojichan") is one of the most honest depictions of first arousal ever put on screen. From the very first moment of "wait... what is happening to my body?" to the full spiral of can't-stop-won't-stop self-discovery, this episode captures the chaos, confusion, and intensity of discovering desire with absolutely no roadmap. In this episode: The painfully accurate portrayal of first arousal: awkward, obsessive, and completely all-consumingWhy casting adult actors as teens allows the show to explore this safely without crossing ethical linesHow PEN15 captures the feeling of "I must be the only one experiencing this"How shame, secrecy, and silence around sex education shape those early experiencesA masterclass in storytelling through cringe It's cringey. It's deeply familiar. And it turns one of the most private human experiences into comedy gold. We break down why this episode works and how it handles adolescent sexuality with both honesty and humor. Watch along timestamps: Maya's first discovery: 0:41Classroom montage: 4:14The Closet/Walkman scene: 9:22Yes, Ariel mispronounced Maya Erskine's last name. We know. We're sorry. We love her. Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most honest intimacy. Credits PEN15 (Season 1, Episode 3: "Ojichan") | Creators: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Sam Zvibleman | Hulu (2019) Hashtags #PEN15 #MayaErskine #AnnaKonkle #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    40 min

  8. Apr 8

    Hardcore Vanilla | The Unhinged Sex Scenes of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" Explained

    Buffy and Spike's season 6 sex scenes are messy, chaotic, and logistically confusing. Two intimacy coordinators break down the iconic "Smashed" house scene. Full description: The Buffy reboot isn't happening. We're devastated. So naturally, we need to talk about Buffy and Spike in season 6 — where things are darker, messier, and include a whole lot more property damage. From literally breaking a house down during sex to invisible hookups to whatever is happening on that balcony, we have thoughts. Big old spoilers ahead. You've been warned. In this episode: The iconic Buffy/Spike "Smashed" scene: why it's so hot and makes zero logistical senseHow the show tries to portray Buffy's rock bottom through sex (and where it succeeds vs. fails)The invisibility scene as a surprisingly perfect example of how simulated sex actually works on setWhy the show keeps saying Buffy and Spike are kinky while showing the most vanilla execution imaginableThe difference between toxic intimacy vs. BDSM, and why those are not the same thingPlus: pants continuity crimes, mystery penetration logistics, and a full breakdown of our personal histories with Spuffy. A masterclass in storytelling through chaos We break down why these scenes still resonate, where they fall short, and what they reveal about Buffy's emotional state. It's a behind the scenes look at one of TV's most iconic toxic relationships. Watch along timestamps: "Smashed" (House scene): 39:39"Gone" (Invisibility scene): 28:08"Dead Things" (Balcony scene): 20:25Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 6) | Created by Joss Whedon | 20th Century Fox Television Hashtags #BuffyTheVampireSlayer #SpikeAndBuffy #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown #BuffyAnalysis Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch the Video Version on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram and TikTok @FakingItThePod Visit Our Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: "Faking It" by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Love the show? Leave a 5-star rating. It helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. Credits Episode credits listed above. All rights reserved. Legal Disclaimer The views expressed are our own. For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not intended to defame or infringe. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.

    44 min
See All (26)

Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Two intimacy coordinators reveal what actually happens behind the scenes of film and TV's most iconic intimate moments. Full description: We're Ariel and Morgan, two professional intimacy coordinators who choreograph sex scenes for film and TV. We pull back the curtain on how intimacy is really made—from the awkward logistics to the craft that makes it look effortless. On Faking It, we break down: Heated Rivalry: the back arch, the bed share, and why good gay sex wins over hockeyThe hottest no-contact scene in cinema history (Secretary)Why Brokeback Mountain's tent scene needed more lubeThe invisible Buffy sex scene that required flawless pantomimeBarbarella's orgasm machinePEN15's honest depiction of teenage arousal What you'll get:Behind-the-scenes secrets, absurd Hollywood stories, real talk about love and sex, and a front-row seat to the art of pretending. New episodes every week. Subscribe now so you don't miss the next breakdown. Where to listenSpotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | All podcast platforms Follow usInstagram & TikTok: @FakingItThePodPatreon: bonus episodes and scene requestsWebsite: FakingItThePod.com Hashtags#IntimacyCoordinator #FilmBreakdown #SexScenesInFilm #Podcast #FakingItPodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Ariel Leigh Cohen & Morgan Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Faking It with Ariel and Morgan
  • Show Website
    Faking It with Ariel and Morgan

You Might Also Like